EC Regulation 785/2004 requires most operators of aircraft, irrespective of the purposes for which they fly, to hold adequate levels of insurance in order to meet their liabilities in the event of an accident. For the manned aircraft world the insurance requirements both in terms of the aircraft itself and its passengers and the possible third party liabilities are well understood and defined. For the unmanned aircraft world the insurance requirements may not be so clear but as a minimum all UAS operators should have the appropriate third party liability insurance in place.

UAVS is concerned that many UAV operations carried out whether legally or more often illegally have been performed without this appropriate third party liability insurance in place. Many companies or small operators appear to be relying on the Products and Public Liability clauses in their general Public Liability Insurance but UAVS recommends that the Exclusion clauses on this Section are studied carefully. Most policies only cover commercial activities on the ground at the registered premises and limited manual work away from these premises.

UAVS recommends that any UAV or UAS operator engaged in Aerial Work secures a specific insurance policy for the aerial work to be undertaken. Particular attention should be paid to operations such as:

• experimental flying of a non-certified UAV operating in restricted or segregated airspace
• the weight category of the UAV, its certification level, its mode of operation, its flight profile, its safety systems, its pilot's experience and its area of operation
• transportation of a UAV by other means, or
• aerial work in controlled airspace or restricted airspace.

These insurance programmes are available to all classes of UAS and the terms will be dependent on a number of factors but more favourable terms may be available if:

• the aircraft has a design and construction certificate
• the pilot is suitably and properly qualified and assessed
• the operating company is well established, is fully conversant with the operational environment surrounding commercial UAS operations and offers appropriate assurances, and finally
• the operator is a member of UAVS. 

For UAS with a MTOW less than 150kg, click here for more information.  For larger UAS click here.